1957 BMW 501 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1979 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 191 kg more than 1957 BMW 501. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | 501 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2750 mm |
